Once your practice is up and running, it’s easy to start making some assumptions. The big decisions have been squared away. You’re seeing patients, and life feels good. It’s tempting to believe that any decisions from here on out will come naturally and comfortably.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The reality is – The more established a practice becomes, the more complicated it can get. You have more patients, products, and paperwork. There are different tools and systems to try. And you’re always on the look-out for new ways to market yourself.

Before you know it, you’re overloaded with decisions. You want to continue growing and improving, but there’s simply too much going on. And with all there is on your plate, you could easily start to doubt or second-guess yourself.

It begs the question – How do you know you’re making the best choices for you and your practice?

This is exactly where a mentor can be a tremendous asset. Having a trusted mentor to lean on can help you hone in on areas that need development and help you make the right decisions for your practice.

Here are five key reasons having a mentor can be your greatest asset:

1. A Mentor Motivates You

Think of a mentor as the ultimate sports coach. They’re there to make sure you stay engaged, well-trained, and keep the ball moving forward. They help prepare you for when you’re on and off the court. And they keep you aligned with what you really want in your life and practice.

Much like a coach, a quality mentor has your best interests at heart and is always in your corner. They cheer you on in the journey and celebrate you as you cross the finish line strong.

2. A Mentor Encourages You

With all there is to do, being a practitioner can sometimes feel lonely. It’s understandable to have down moments and tough seasons. This is where a mentor really shines. They’ve been through tough times, so they know how to help you navigate through them with optimism and hope.

In those difficult moments, a mentor is there to keep you going in spite of what’s going on around you. You may feel like you’re falling short, but a mentor sees beyond your own limitations. They lift you up, shift your mindset, and refocus your thought process.

Whether you’re going through the highs or lows of owning a practice, a mentor is there for you. They’re ready to help you be the best you can be – regardless of how you feel.

3. A Mentor Keeps You Accountable

As you develop your practice, you’ll eventually find your stride and fall into a certain rhythm. These routines and habits can help you become more efficient. And while routines are beneficial, there is a potential watch-out. When routines go unchecked, they can sometimes limit your ability to notice new and better ways of doing things.

A mentor sees where you need to improve when you can’t see it for yourself. They become that second pair of eyes that are always on the look-out for you and your well-being. A mentor sees where you need to grow and how to best challenge you. And they’ll do it in a way that keeps you moving along towards success.

4. A Mentor Is Your Trusted Advisor

As a practitioner, you have exceptionally high standards for confidentiality. You know the importance of trust, and you strive to earn and keep the trust of your patients.

But in today’s age, it may feel difficult to find someone you can trust – someone you can confide in and share your concerns, fears, and frustrations with. This is one reason why many practitioners end up feeling alone.

Having a quality mentor can help. They can be your most trusted advisor – someone who will listen to you, give you honest feedback, and will keep all your conversations confidential.

5. A Mentor Is Your Connector

A solid mentor is reliable and trustworthy. Because of their stellar character, they usually end up meeting and knowing a number of people. As such, they become a connector that can take you and your practice to the next level.

For example, let’s say you’re facing a unique challenge in your practice. Your mentor may know of someone who has gone through a similar experience and can link you to them for additional help. Or perhaps they know of another clinician who’s doing a seminar where you could be a guest speaker.A mentor opens you up to making more connections within your field – something that’s sure to benefit you, your patients, and your practice!

Choose Your Mentors Wisely

Early on in my practice, I remember feeling like I had to figure it all out on my own. In the years since, I’ve had some incredible mentors and have had the opportunity to mentor others.

I’ve learned that it sometimes takes someone on the outside to see exactly what needs to change in order to bring you the success you so deserve. It often takes another practitioner who’s further down the road asking you the questions you’ve never asked yourself in order to break through to the next level.

These days, one of my favorite ways to mentor is through Clinical Business Academy. It’s a coaching program I created to help practitioners grow their practice, rock their marketing, and enhance their profitability.

If you’re a practitioner who’s:

• Tired of trying to figure it out alone
• Been on the fence about choosing a mentor
• Ready for that trusted advisor to motivate, inspire and help you overcome your blind spots, and take your practice to the next level

Check out Clinical Business Academy and sign-up for the waitlist. It’s changed the lives of hundreds of practitioners so far. And I know it can change yours, too.